Moss Farm

We are currently working with on-site clubs, groups, users and other partners to make improvements to Moss Farm Sports Complex in Northwich.

The vision for the site includes building on the fantastic offer for the community already in place and to provide leading sports facilities for the area, increasing the numbers and diversity of people who use the site.

The project aims to develop a viable, self-sustaining mix of facilities to meet the needs of the local area and empower on-site clubs and organisations to manage the site.

Progress to date

Concrete football and rugby pitch

Renovations to the football and rugby pitch, next to the sand-dressed Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP), were completed in September 2023. This includes spraying of herbicide on the grass surface, removal of the concrete barriers, installation of main and lateral drains, regrading, resurfacing and laser levelling to Sport England specification. The site will be fenced off until the end of summer 2024 when it will be marked as a rugby pitch and posts installed.

Pedestrian and cyclist access improvements

Plans are in place to improve access and movement around the site for pedestrians and cyclists using Section 106 developer contributions from the adjacent housing developments.

A topographical survey to map the boundaries, features and levels of the site has been completed for the sloped grass area near Firdale Road, as we investigate options for a path. Further options could connect paths near the Winnington Business Park end of the site. Proposals will be circulated for comments from the local community.

Car parking

Work has started on a new layout for the car park next to the Cheshire FA building and to improve the existing larger car park to make better use of the available space. This work is expected to be completed by Autumn 2024.

Ecological surveys

The buildings in the car park and some of the trees on the archery range are being surveyed for roosting bats and birds. This is necessary for any removal or demolition planning applications, to support Winnington Bowman Archery Club in creating a safer and larger range, and to create a clear footpath entering the site from the new housing development to the west.

Northwich Rugby Club clubhouse

Our in-house contractors Qwest has completed the refurbishment of the Northwich Rugby Club clubhouse following the fire in October 2022.

There was an opening ceremony on 23 September 2023, in time for the start of the Rugby World Cup. The costs of these works will be claimed through the Council's insurance as the damage was caused by fire.

The rugby club will continue to use the defunct squash court until the end of October 2023.

Cottage roofing

The roofs of the three cottages have now been repaired. Work was delayed due to roosting bats but works are now completed and the scaffolding will be removed in due course.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Moss Farm Leisure Complex has been awarded £37,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will pay for new cycle stores to promote active travel to the site and improvements to the Moss Lane entrance. There is also funding for training and guidance for sports clubs, which could include training sessions on business planning, financial sustainability, legacy strategies, management skills, marketing, bid writing, social media and forming a community interest company.